Soothing words

Soothing words

From Media Indonesia

In a recent morning news TV broadcast Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, former coordinating minister for political, social and
security affairs, shared his hopes in connection with the special
session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) scheduled for
Aug. 1, 2001. Speaking in an interactive dialog, he made an
appeal that the MPR special session should avoid a political
deadlock. In his opinion, such a situation would create chaos and
conflict. He also hoped for peaceful settlement of friction in
the session.

Susilo's appeal was positive, soothing and worthy of
everyone's attention, amid the worrying political conditions in
the lead up to the special session. President Abdurrahman Wahid
has threatened to issue a decree to dissolve the House of
Representatives and MPR for failing to respond to his call for a
reconciliation meeting he arranged. The media have also reported
a bomb blast in which 12 people were injured. It would be wise
for the political elite to make similar comforting calls and
dispel thoughts of mere struggle for power. The nation is facing
complex problems and the public cannot tolerate extra burden.

With the country being torn asunder by clashes and disputes,
we should all pull together to solve the nation's problems by
creating peace and tranquility prior to the special session of
the MPR. We won't allow the greed for power of a small minority
of leaders to ravage the achievements of our founding fathers in
fighting against colonizers and for national unity. It's our hope
that the special session will result in the best decision for the
nation's benefit. We should sincerely accept this decision,
including a change in national leadership.

PURWADIJO

Bogor, West Java